TheX-Menfranchise is one of the most clever ideas in Marvel’s catalog. No need to introduce heroes one at a time and gradually bring them together. Just explain mutation as a vector for superpowers, then create a school that teaches these newcomers how to save the day. It’s a perfect way to keep a stable of popular characters around, but not every icon will enjoy the same fame.
Many Marvel superheroes enjoyed a massive boost in popularity thanks to the beloved action cartoons of the 90s. Spider-Man, Iron Man, andeven the Silver Surferenjoyed unique animated adaptations of their story. The biggest beneficiary was almost certainly the X-Men, whose groundbreaking five-season run will soon see a revival on Disney Plus.
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Who is Morph?
Kevin Sydney was introduced to Marvel Comics by Roy Thomas and Werner Roth in 1967. His first hero name was Changeling, but that identity did not last long. Changeling made his debut as a part of Factor Three, a group of antagonists who were under the leadership ofthe notorious Mutant Master. Factor Three intended to spark World War III by enflaming tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. Changeling and his cohorts successfully capture the X-Men during the scheme. Mutant Master is eventually exposed as an alien in disguise, forcing the rest of Factor Three to work with the X-Men to save the day. Changeling thenapproaches Professor Xand offers his assistance. Kevin is suffering from an unspecified terminal illness, leaving him with only a few months to live. He chooses to use his final moments to do the right thing. Changeling gives his life to save Charles Xavier, becoming the first X-Man to die in action.
Almost 30 years later, Kevin Sydney would be resurrected for a new medium.X-Men: The Animated Seriesshowrunner, Eric Lewald, needed a mutant he could sacrifice in the first episode. He was initially going to use Thunderbird, but the team became uncomfortable with killing off one of their only Native American characters. Since Changeling was already famous for dying heroically, he was the obvious choice. However, DC Comics owned the trademark on the name Changeling, thanks to Teen Titans’ Beast Boy occasionally using the name. Subsequently, Kevin Sydney became Morph and joined the crew of the animated series. Morph is introduced as one of Wolverine’s only friends. His tragic death at thehands of the Sentinelsspurs his friends into action. Many fans don’t remember much about the character, but they certainly recall Wolverine ripping a Sentinel to shreds while shouting “This one’s for you, Morph!” Both versions of Kevin Sydney are more notable for their death than their life, but they did contribute to the team in their own way.
What are Morph’s Mutant Powers?
Morph’s powers are very similar to thoseof fellow mutant Mystique. He’s a shape-shifter who can take on the appearance of any person at will. He can perfectly replicate the appearance, voice, and scent of anyone he’s ever seen. His body is actually composed of a Play-Doh-like compound that can be reshaped at will. He can even reattach limbs that have been cut off. To make the most of his powers, Morph is a trained actor and a skilled spy. He can mimic the mannerisms of his targets with such uncanny accuracy that even they are put off by his presence. Morph loves to pull pranks on friends and enemies alike. Between his strange powers and goofy sense of humor, people often have a hard time taking Morph seriously. Despite his reputation, Morph is a clever tactician, a brilliant impressionist, and a master of computer engineering.
Morph can often use a facsimile of the mutant abilities he copies. Morph’s versions of other people’s powers are typically inferior to the genuine article. When he mimics Wolverine,he can use Logan’s claws, but they won’t be as indestructible as usual. His powers have been enhanced multiple times. Professor X gave him some latent telepathic abilities, and Proteus merged with him to make a borderline deity. He’s demonstrated the ability to fly more than once. Morph also picked up some alien technology during his early career with Factor Three, giving him access to a ray gun. He’s more of a strategic infiltrator than a purely physical threat, but Morph can be immensely dangerous in the right situation.
Morph has always been a character who was set up to die. Usually, women are on the wrong end of the old “stuffed into the fridge” trope, but the change in gender doesn’t make it any more pleasant. Kevin Sydney could be a much more interesting character if he wasn’t being killed off every time he shows up. His power is versatile and useful, his sense of humor brings a welcome comic relief element to the team, and his friendship with Wolverine could liven the franchise up. MaybeX-Men ‘97will give Morph another chance at life.
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